Drop old vehicle batteries off at Canowindra Tyre Service to be recycled for free.
Car batteries are classified as hazardous waste, given the lead acid they contain.
Lead is one of the most toxic substances to both humans and the environment. This is why they can’t simply be collected in general waste and recycling.
Despite this, they do wind up in landfill or rotting in backyards. They can result in fires, but are guaranteed to slowly break down leaching acid and toxic lead into the soil and water table.
The good news is that car, truck and tractor batteries can now be recycled at Canowindra Tyre Service (CTS).
CTS shared owner, Alison Stephens said the initiative aims to reduce environmental waste. “Batteries are a great product to recycle. However they are bulky and untidy so they lie about peoples’ homes and/or sheds,” said Mrs Stephens.
CTS has only recently started recycling with quite a few pallets of batteries being recycled at a local scrap merchant.
There is a small cash payment for the re-usable and these proceeds have been donated back to the community Alison said”
They recently donated $500 to each of the local schools.
“We like to sponsor sporting groups and events in the town. Education is such an important area and we thought it was a great avenue to donate to,” she said.
Up to 98% of a lead acid battery can be reclaimed through recycling. The components of the battery including plastic, lead and acid are re-processed and manufactured into a range of other products.
The lead, plastic and acid components are re-processed and manufactured into an array of other products including guide posts, cabling and detergents.
Go down to see Tom, Alison and the CTS team at Rodd Street, across from the BP petrol station.